06.04.2025: Last week UK Music and UK Music members supported the annual Leicester Music Conference. Now in its second year, the conference provided a fantastic range of industry insights across two days.

Hosted at 2Funky Complex in Leicester, the conference is the brainchild of local music entrepreneur Dr Yasin El Ashrafi of HQ Recording Studio and Kate Rounding of Technology in Music Education (TiME).

Day one was an opportunity for young people interested in a career in the industry to get inspired. The day was opened by UK Music Director of Education & Skills Dr Oliver Morris who delivered a keynote address. This was followed by a panel on how to make a career in music, chaired by UK Music Partnerships & Operations Officer Courtney Wallace. She was joined by Oliver, artists Shao Dow, Queen Milz, and Emma McGann, Event Producer CAS Thompson, and conference organiser Dr Yasin El Ashrafi.

In the afternoon, Discover Creative Careers Programme Lead Mary Rose gave a presentation on Discover’s work to educational and careers professionals in attendance. Discover Creative Careers is the flagship careers programme that was developed by and works on behalf of the UK’s Creative Industries to encourage understanding of and engagement in creative careers.

Day two was the main music industry conference, which saw UK Music Chief Executive Tom Kiehl deliver a keynote speech that discussed the economic and social impact of music and UK Music’s links with Leicester through member organisations PPL and PRS for Music. Tom followed the musical legend Michelle Escoffery who also delivered an inspiring keynote.

After the keynotes there was a series of panels throughout the day, starting with Oliver chairing a panel with artists Shao Dow, Queen Milz, and Emma McGann.

The two days ended with a series of performances and a chance to celebrate this exciting new chapter in Leicester’s music industry. Next year will no doubt be even bigger and better if the current trend continues.

Photo by Oliver Morris